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Holiday Brides #4
Beach Blanket Santa
A couple with a past spends an unexpected, yet magical, Christmas week together at the shore, where serendipity abounds.
Holiday Brides Christmas Novella Series Book 4
Three years ago, Sarah Anderson made a terrible mistake. After one too many glasses of champagne at her best friend’s wedding she woke up in bed with the Best Man. To make matters worse, he ran out on her and she never heard from him again. When Sarah’s gifted with Christmas week at her best friend’s beach house, the last person she expects to run into is the handsome heartbreaker. But it appears fate has ensured a mysterious double booking, and he was given a key to the same place. With a winter storm raging on their secluded barrier island, it seems they’re both trapped there together. Will their marooned status push them even farther apart, or heal past wounds and lead to a new start?
All Matt Salvatore wants to do is escape from the world and enjoy some surf fishing. He never dreams a beautiful blast from his past will upset his get-away plans. But it’s hard to think of leaving when he recalls how it feels holding Sarah in his arms. Yet, three years before, when he’d thought they were getting close, she’d literally sent him packing. He’d nearly forgotten that heartache until he looked once again in her big, brown eyes. When they’re suddenly thrown together for an unexpected beach vacation, old feelings resurface and hope reignites. But can Matt convince Sarah his feelings are real, when his resources are limited to what’s at the house – and in his heart?
Holiday Brides Christmas Novella Series Book 4
Three years ago, Sarah Anderson made a terrible mistake. After one too many glasses of champagne at her best friend’s wedding she woke up in bed with the Best Man. To make matters worse, he ran out on her and she never heard from him again. When Sarah’s gifted with Christmas week at her best friend’s beach house, the last person she expects to run into is the handsome heartbreaker. But it appears fate has ensured a mysterious double booking, and he was given a key to the same place. With a winter storm raging on their secluded barrier island, it seems they’re both trapped there together. Will their marooned status push them even farther apart, or heal past wounds and lead to a new start?
All Matt Salvatore wants to do is escape from the world and enjoy some surf fishing. He never dreams a beautiful blast from his past will upset his get-away plans. But it’s hard to think of leaving when he recalls how it feels holding Sarah in his arms. Yet, three years before, when he’d thought they were getting close, she’d literally sent him packing. He’d nearly forgotten that heartache until he looked once again in her big, brown eyes. When they’re suddenly thrown together for an unexpected beach vacation, old feelings resurface and hope reignites. But can Matt convince Sarah his feelings are real, when his resources are limited to what’s at the house – and in his heart?
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2013
29 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Ginny Baird
64 books892 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ginny Baird writes heartwarming contemporary stories filled with love, laughter, and happily ever afters. Visit her website to learn more about Ginny and her books. www.ginnybairdromance.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 6, 2015
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
I started Beach Blanket Santa and was loving it. It was the perfect holiday read. You have the somehow the two people are thrown together and stranded in a kind of secluded place for the holidays. You have the they have a bit of history thing. You have the Christmas magic that brings them together and it was just amazing. Until the very end.
Sarah and Matt had met a few years ago at a wedding. They were both part of the wedding and they both liked each other from the start, though neither one realized it. In a twist of fate they both end up at this beach house for the holidays thinking no one else will be there. When storms come in and flood the roads and strand them together they are stuck together. At first it is a bit awkward, but quickly turns into a nice holiday read.
A few years ago, after drinking a lot at her best friends wedding, Sarah wakes up next to Matt. She doesn't remember anything and pushes him out the door thinking he is not a good guy. She was obviously drunk and he slept with her anyway. It was a little annoying that she keeps thinking about how Matt ran out on her the next morning when it is she who pushed him out, but it didn't bother me that much. As for Matt he doesn't understand what happened. He thought finally he is getting closer to Sarah and she likes him right up until she makes him leave. At first when they meet again at the beach house they kind of dance around each other since neither really knows what happened that one night, but it does get resolved pretty quick. They talk and when Sarah finds out what really happens she realized that Matt is a great guy. He really was incredibly sweet and just amazing. Too bad if he knew what had happened, what is going on with her he won't want her is what Sarah keeps thinking.
So Sarah and Matt grow closer as they are stranded together for the holidays. Neither of them really mind that they are stranded as then they just have time to get to know each other better and have the christmas magic work on them.
**Spoilers ahead**
So I was loving this story. Matt is so sweet and he obviously cares for Sarah, but Sarah just doesn't think it would work longterm. Not that she doesn't want it to, but the if Matt knew everything he wouldn't want her thing. So they are finally able to leave the beach house, the storm has passed, and Matt tells her he wants to keep this going. He really likes her and he wants to see her when they get home. What does Sarah do? Say she doesn't want to, she doesn't want this, and leaves. She lies instead of telling him her secret so he will leave her. So then you find out the big secret. What is is? She can't have kids. She was sick when she was younger and that made her sterile. She has two, count them two, boyfriends who wanted kids and so those relationships didn't work out. Since the whole two guys she tried to date didn't work out because of the kids issue that means that no man will ever want her. Cause yeah, that makes sense. It was...It made me angry. She was not upset that she can't have biological kids. She thinks there are other options and everything will be fine, but no man will ever want her because she can't have kids. I...it annoyed me so much. It is one of those why not tell the guy so he can make his decision based on all the facts? I for one have never wanted kids. I know it is different if you can't have them, but it still is no biological kids. I have always been upfront about that with guys I dated and it was never an issue. Well there was one guy who said he definitely wanted kids so it wouldn't work out, but because I get that stuff out of the way pretty quick it was not a big deal. We became friends and are still friends to this day. Not a big deal. You tell the guy and you figure it out. For some people yes, it is a deal breaker. But for others it is something that can be okay. To have that be the big horrible thing that happened to her...it just made me angry. Some ladies cannot have children for whatever reason. This was like saying there is something wrong with them, something that will make no one ever love them enough to get over that. Argh. I did not like it.
Besides that fact I hate when people make decisions for other people. Like Matt is a great guy, the best guy I know, but he will not want to be with me if I tell him the truth so I will just make the decision for him to leave. I hate that! Especially when it is for a lame reason! You dated two guys! Two! That is not any kind of representative sample of anything! Of course everything works out and they live happily ever after, but those last few pages with Sarah being super lame just ruined the rest of the story for me. I was loving it, and then that happened and I just couldn't get over it. It just is unfortunate as it would have been a great holiday read, but now it is going on the not to be read again list.
I started Beach Blanket Santa and was loving it. It was the perfect holiday read. You have the somehow the two people are thrown together and stranded in a kind of secluded place for the holidays. You have the they have a bit of history thing. You have the Christmas magic that brings them together and it was just amazing. Until the very end.
Sarah and Matt had met a few years ago at a wedding. They were both part of the wedding and they both liked each other from the start, though neither one realized it. In a twist of fate they both end up at this beach house for the holidays thinking no one else will be there. When storms come in and flood the roads and strand them together they are stuck together. At first it is a bit awkward, but quickly turns into a nice holiday read.
A few years ago, after drinking a lot at her best friends wedding, Sarah wakes up next to Matt. She doesn't remember anything and pushes him out the door thinking he is not a good guy. She was obviously drunk and he slept with her anyway. It was a little annoying that she keeps thinking about how Matt ran out on her the next morning when it is she who pushed him out, but it didn't bother me that much. As for Matt he doesn't understand what happened. He thought finally he is getting closer to Sarah and she likes him right up until she makes him leave. At first when they meet again at the beach house they kind of dance around each other since neither really knows what happened that one night, but it does get resolved pretty quick. They talk and when Sarah finds out what really happens she realized that Matt is a great guy. He really was incredibly sweet and just amazing. Too bad if he knew what had happened, what is going on with her he won't want her is what Sarah keeps thinking.
So Sarah and Matt grow closer as they are stranded together for the holidays. Neither of them really mind that they are stranded as then they just have time to get to know each other better and have the christmas magic work on them.
**Spoilers ahead**
So I was loving this story. Matt is so sweet and he obviously cares for Sarah, but Sarah just doesn't think it would work longterm. Not that she doesn't want it to, but the if Matt knew everything he wouldn't want her thing. So they are finally able to leave the beach house, the storm has passed, and Matt tells her he wants to keep this going. He really likes her and he wants to see her when they get home. What does Sarah do? Say she doesn't want to, she doesn't want this, and leaves. She lies instead of telling him her secret so he will leave her. So then you find out the big secret. What is is? She can't have kids. She was sick when she was younger and that made her sterile. She has two, count them two, boyfriends who wanted kids and so those relationships didn't work out. Since the whole two guys she tried to date didn't work out because of the kids issue that means that no man will ever want her. Cause yeah, that makes sense. It was...It made me angry. She was not upset that she can't have biological kids. She thinks there are other options and everything will be fine, but no man will ever want her because she can't have kids. I...it annoyed me so much. It is one of those why not tell the guy so he can make his decision based on all the facts? I for one have never wanted kids. I know it is different if you can't have them, but it still is no biological kids. I have always been upfront about that with guys I dated and it was never an issue. Well there was one guy who said he definitely wanted kids so it wouldn't work out, but because I get that stuff out of the way pretty quick it was not a big deal. We became friends and are still friends to this day. Not a big deal. You tell the guy and you figure it out. For some people yes, it is a deal breaker. But for others it is something that can be okay. To have that be the big horrible thing that happened to her...it just made me angry. Some ladies cannot have children for whatever reason. This was like saying there is something wrong with them, something that will make no one ever love them enough to get over that. Argh. I did not like it.
Besides that fact I hate when people make decisions for other people. Like Matt is a great guy, the best guy I know, but he will not want to be with me if I tell him the truth so I will just make the decision for him to leave. I hate that! Especially when it is for a lame reason! You dated two guys! Two! That is not any kind of representative sample of anything! Of course everything works out and they live happily ever after, but those last few pages with Sarah being super lame just ruined the rest of the story for me. I was loving it, and then that happened and I just couldn't get over it. It just is unfortunate as it would have been a great holiday read, but now it is going on the not to be read again list.
February 4, 2013
Sarah and Matt end up together one night after a wedding of Sarah’s friend and Matt’s brother. However, both misunderstand the end that night came to.
3 years later they end up sharing a beach house. During this time, they both get to know each other better and begin to have feelings for one another. However, when Matt shares his feelings and suggests a deeper relationship, Sarah is reluctant to start anything because of a secret she’s been keeping from him.
The ending was great. Just in time, Sarah shares the truth and Matt’s response is satisfactory, with no hesitance to what he wants.
3 years later they end up sharing a beach house. During this time, they both get to know each other better and begin to have feelings for one another. However, when Matt shares his feelings and suggests a deeper relationship, Sarah is reluctant to start anything because of a secret she’s been keeping from him.
The ending was great. Just in time, Sarah shares the truth and Matt’s response is satisfactory, with no hesitance to what he wants.
September 14, 2013
This book was the absolute worst of the series! To me as a reader, it didn't make much sense, and the romance just really wasn't there for me. The focus was more on how they shouldn't get together and then all of a sudden, the hero and heroine do a complete reversal and want to be together. It used the "trapped together during a major storm" plot device, but even then, it didn't really do it justice or that well either. Just not a good story, but thankfully it was short!
December 29, 2013
This is another cute holiday romance, but this one is set at a beach house, where a storm, a big miscommunication, and attraction make for an interesting Christmas.
There is a lot of innuendo, especially involving an incident a few years previous, which turned out to be different as thought, mainly because there was drinking involved.
Content: kissing, some mild language. Technically clean because there weren't overly descriptive scenes.
There is a lot of innuendo, especially involving an incident a few years previous, which turned out to be different as thought, mainly because there was drinking involved.
Content: kissing, some mild language. Technically clean because there weren't overly descriptive scenes.
January 1, 2018
This was my favorite book of the series that I’ve read! Sarah and Matt were easy to relate with and root for. The development of their relationship was sweet and sassy with a bit of heart break involved. I loved that this book took place at the beach. Being trapped in a cozy cottage with someone you’re attracted too sounds like a good way to spend a holiday. The plot drew me in and held me until the end. I just with the story hadn’t ended so quickly. I would’ve liked a few more pages to wrap up the story in a neater way since the end came on rather fast.
August 2, 2017
What happens when not one, but two deserving people are sent to the same place by those that love them, to “recoup” and recharge? It creates the perfect recipe for one steamy romance whose bud was crushed a mere three years ago. Will these two singles ever manage to find their way to a couple, the way their hearts hope? Or will they each be doomed to single life loneliness forever? Yet another Christmas miracle is about to happen. A beautiful short read you won’t want to miss.
November 10, 2018
A story of misunderstanding, one night together what happen and who did what turns out to be something that could changes these two relationship. I thought the plot was good, the characters very likable and was a lot of fun to listen to. There is a twist here that is very surprising not only to the reader but to the characters. So many years wasted if only they would have talked it out years ago things could have been so different.
October 23, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)
An unexpected holiday at a beachside cabin for a week sounded wonderful. However, the two people offered this treat, unbeknownst to the other, was very surprised to find they had company, especially when the weather turned nasty and making a hasty retreat was impossible.
It became a Christmas to remember.
An unexpected holiday at a beachside cabin for a week sounded wonderful. However, the two people offered this treat, unbeknownst to the other, was very surprised to find they had company, especially when the weather turned nasty and making a hasty retreat was impossible.
It became a Christmas to remember.
November 4, 2019
I don't know if it's just because I had such a connection to a previously read book, or if I just am not in the mood for a novel such as this one- but I did not feel the pull to this novel that I normally do when I am reading a new novel. I will definitely have to try again later.
December 27, 2019
Sweet and short
I was looking for a not so long Christmas story. This is the first time reading this author. I enjoyed this very sweet Christmas story. I loved the whole book and look forward to reading more from this author.
I was looking for a not so long Christmas story. This is the first time reading this author. I enjoyed this very sweet Christmas story. I loved the whole book and look forward to reading more from this author.
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July 30, 2021Romance
The biggest problem is they didn't communicate. Which is always a little annoying, especially if by the end they still haven't learned how to. Also was confused about their past.
The biggest problem is they didn't communicate. Which is always a little annoying, especially if by the end they still haven't learned how to. Also was confused about their past.
July 27, 2017
It was okay, nothing to write home about.
December 12, 2018
Christmas is magical at the beach!
November 28, 2020
This was a really good book.
December 7, 2020
It was ok, I did not understand Sarah's attitude, first she acted as if she did not want Matt around, then she did like him, and with the secret that she had I thought she was going to die,
December 8, 2020
LOVED it. How romantic.
December 22, 2020
I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter 3 because it didn't grab my interest.
August 14, 2021
A nice romantic story.
December 6, 2022
Not a bad story but not as interesting as the others.
December 30, 2013
Matt and Sarah were best man and maid of honor at Matt’s brothers and Sarah’s best friend’s wedding engagement party. This is where they found out they were bestowed the honors. From that very first night it was a love connection but neither knew it.
So, by being thrown together to help plan and carry out plans for this wedding, they were able to get better acquainted. They seemed to hit it off right away. They could joke and laugh and talk about anything. Sarah saw everything she wanted in a partner. Yet, never having confidence due to her background she had a secret no one knew about not even her friends, which made her feel less than. Not to mention that her last two relationships made this secret a deal breaker so it was just best not to get involved with any man at all but especially some as wonderful as Matt. Matt deserved better than her than what she could give him.
Matt on the other hand was so taken with Sarah in every way. He saw in her what he couldn’t find in any of the other women he had ever dated before. He was so wanting a relationship like his parents have. Sarah he thought was it. Three years ago at Robert & Elaine wedding she told him to leave. What he didn’t know is she thought is that they had done the nasty. When in fact she had fallen ill due to all the drinking she had done because she knew she could never have Matt due to her secret.
Come see how these two come together on a dark and stormy night. Not knowing the other will be there and what will happen when the have to finally talk about what really happened that night and about their really feelings about one another.
I really enjoyed this sweet and steamy love story. Of two star crossed lovers who have no idea that their hearts want what it wants and that they will not stop till they are with each other. Got it free on Amazon.
So, by being thrown together to help plan and carry out plans for this wedding, they were able to get better acquainted. They seemed to hit it off right away. They could joke and laugh and talk about anything. Sarah saw everything she wanted in a partner. Yet, never having confidence due to her background she had a secret no one knew about not even her friends, which made her feel less than. Not to mention that her last two relationships made this secret a deal breaker so it was just best not to get involved with any man at all but especially some as wonderful as Matt. Matt deserved better than her than what she could give him.
Matt on the other hand was so taken with Sarah in every way. He saw in her what he couldn’t find in any of the other women he had ever dated before. He was so wanting a relationship like his parents have. Sarah he thought was it. Three years ago at Robert & Elaine wedding she told him to leave. What he didn’t know is she thought is that they had done the nasty. When in fact she had fallen ill due to all the drinking she had done because she knew she could never have Matt due to her secret.
Come see how these two come together on a dark and stormy night. Not knowing the other will be there and what will happen when the have to finally talk about what really happened that night and about their really feelings about one another.
I really enjoyed this sweet and steamy love story. Of two star crossed lovers who have no idea that their hearts want what it wants and that they will not stop till they are with each other. Got it free on Amazon.
January 25, 2015
Drinking too much is never a good thing, as nothing good happens after 1 a.m. ; these are not just sayings without meaning. They have been the truth in every case so now in my old age, I follow those two expressions. Sarah Anderson did not follow them on the night of her best friend's wedding and believed that she had done something naughty with Matt (the bestman to her maid of honor). But that was more then a year ago and water under the bridge although they are both single as the new holiday season is starting up and find themselves in the same beach house which a storm is stranding them there.
All Matt Salvatore is looking for a calm and peaceful holiday season on the coast. His brother sent him away for the holidays because he has been moping around after his last break-up with Katya, his Russian ex-girfriend. Lots of sexual tension although nothing goes down in the story which takes place in a week around Christmas.
Little error: 'subtle' is not the correct word, it should have been 'supple' in the story as Matt is describing Sarah's skin. Otherwise good editing and well written.
101 pages and kindle freebie for the holidays
2 stars
All Matt Salvatore is looking for a calm and peaceful holiday season on the coast. His brother sent him away for the holidays because he has been moping around after his last break-up with Katya, his Russian ex-girfriend. Lots of sexual tension although nothing goes down in the story which takes place in a week around Christmas.
Little error: 'subtle' is not the correct word, it should have been 'supple' in the story as Matt is describing Sarah's skin. Otherwise good editing and well written.
101 pages and kindle freebie for the holidays
2 stars
December 19, 2013
Beach Blanket Santa
Matt Salvatore and his brother, Robert, both lawyers agree that Matt needs some time away and he can have the beach house in NC, outer banks to help get over Katya.
Sarah Anderson is friends with Elaine who also owns the beach house and after she gets married again Sarah can use the beach house while Elaine is honeymooning with her new husband.
They both knew one another-having attended Robert and Elaine's wedding 3 years earlier...
The storm leaves them stranded and Matt teaches her how to make from scratch Christmas sugar cookies. Between all the kissing and touching they each find themselves cooling off from all the heat they generated...
Love all the things they find to do with themselves to keep busy, too funny! Love how resourceful they are!
I received this book from the author as a gift in exchange for my honest review.
Matt Salvatore and his brother, Robert, both lawyers agree that Matt needs some time away and he can have the beach house in NC, outer banks to help get over Katya.
Sarah Anderson is friends with Elaine who also owns the beach house and after she gets married again Sarah can use the beach house while Elaine is honeymooning with her new husband.
They both knew one another-having attended Robert and Elaine's wedding 3 years earlier...
The storm leaves them stranded and Matt teaches her how to make from scratch Christmas sugar cookies. Between all the kissing and touching they each find themselves cooling off from all the heat they generated...
Love all the things they find to do with themselves to keep busy, too funny! Love how resourceful they are!
I received this book from the author as a gift in exchange for my honest review.
March 8, 2013
Sarah and Matt end up together one night after a wedding of Sarah's friend and Matt's brother. However, both misunderstand the end that night came to.
3 years later they end up sharing a beach house. During this time, they both get to know each other better and begin to have feelings for one another. However, when Matt shares his feelings and suggests a deeper relationship, Sarah is reluctant to start anything because of a secret she's been keeping from him.
The ending was great. Just in time, Sarah shares the truth and Matt's response is satisfactory, with no hesitance to what he wants.
3 years later they end up sharing a beach house. During this time, they both get to know each other better and begin to have feelings for one another. However, when Matt shares his feelings and suggests a deeper relationship, Sarah is reluctant to start anything because of a secret she's been keeping from him.
The ending was great. Just in time, Sarah shares the truth and Matt's response is satisfactory, with no hesitance to what he wants.
December 2, 2013
This is not too long, just long enough to tell a good holiday tale without going too in depth. Sarah and Matt met on a one night stand at a wedding, as she remembers it. Now due to a storm, they're stranded together over Christmas.
Sometimes I felt the dialogue was very strained and slightly unbelievable. It would be wonderful if men were as loving as Matt was, but some of the things he says are a little over the top.
This is a story with good, clean romance and holiday charm.
Sometimes I felt the dialogue was very strained and slightly unbelievable. It would be wonderful if men were as loving as Matt was, but some of the things he says are a little over the top.
This is a story with good, clean romance and holiday charm.
September 15, 2015
I must admit that I was much more impressed with this book than I expected to be. I loved it! I was sure it would be pleasant but it was really, really good. The characters were well crafted, the development of the relationship flowed well, and the story was fun. Oh, yes, and it was Christmas. It would be a good quick read for any time of the year, but I love Christmas stories so that is a plus for me.
March 24, 2013
I won this short (autographed) novel via First Reads.
It was short and predictable, but it is cute, and I enjoyed the characters--especially Matt. His personality is so infectious, you can't help but fall for him. But with it being so short, the story moves really fast and then, before you know it, it's done. It was worth the read, but I definitely prefer full-length novels.
It was short and predictable, but it is cute, and I enjoyed the characters--especially Matt. His personality is so infectious, you can't help but fall for him. But with it being so short, the story moves really fast and then, before you know it, it's done. It was worth the read, but I definitely prefer full-length novels.
April 24, 2016
Another case of the best laid plans...she comes to the beach cottage after her best friend's wedding, he comes for time away from he and his brother's law practice..shock? It's the same week...add in a gully-washer of a rain storm and the fact that. they have a bit of history. A most enjoyable read.
October 14, 2013
A wonderful Christmas novella. I loved the characters in this story. My favorite quote from the book is, "There's a rainbow after every storm, You just have to believe it." <3 I highly recommend the entire Holiday Brides series to anyone that enjoys a great romance.
February 3, 2013
This is a cute predictable romance story and a quick read. It brightens your day and is worth the read.
February 4, 2013
Cute short love story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews